Hi Alan!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
There is so much to do at the Disney Resort hotels!! As you are coming from the UK and are likely spending longer here, have you considered doing a split stay, between 2 or 3 different hotels? That way, you will have the pleasure of enjoying several different pools (many Disney Resort hotels have at least 2 pools) and a nice variety of on-site restaurants and amenities. While you cannot use the pool unless you are staying at the hotel, I thoroughly recommend Resort-hopping to explore the beautiful hotels for a dining reservation, or just a drink and a walk around the grounds.
On the official website you can see the recreation options for each hotel (click on any hotel, then click on 'Recreation'). Most activities can be utilised by any guest (not only those guests staying at the Resort).
For example, at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – Archery and horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides and wagon rides are available to pre-book (
among many other activities), and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – you will find ‘
Wild About Painting' and an amazing
Starlight Safari (which is exclusive to guests staying at this Resort hotel). How about afternoon tea at the
Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?
At some of the lakeside resorts you can
hire Sea Raycers which are really good fun for the whole family. And if fishing is your thing,
guided fishing excursions are available at select locations.
The Disney Resort Transport is a great way to explore and get around – I love taking the transport just for the fun of it with no intention of going anywhere – my favourite is a boat ride, and I will often take a relaxing round-trip. Also, the
Disney Skyliner is a different experience, and some have said it’s more like an attraction than a mode of transport!
The route can be seen here.
Disney Springs cannot be ignored! Shopping, dining and entertainment, with no admission fee, and complimentary parking for all guests.
What about the
water parks? I love them! You can relax on the beach while your teenagers go and enjoy the water rides and the surf, and wave pools – or you can join them, if you are more adventurous than I am!! Day tickets can be purchased on the gate, or there is a water parks annual pass that could be a more cost-effective option if you intended to visit them a few times during your stay.
Please come back and visit us again if you have any further questions. We will always be happy to help you plan your magical holiday. Please keep your eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for all the latest official news.
Sue